Apparatus and control system for multi-gestural control of water delivery devices

ABSTRACT

A water delivery device includes a body, a user interface, a mixing valve, a first capacitive sensor pad, and a second capacitive sensor pad. The body includes a spout. The user interface is provided on the spout. The mixing valve is contained within the body and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The first capacitive sensor pad is provided below the user interface. The second capacitive sensor pad is provided below the user interface laterally adjacent to the first capacitive sensor pad, and is physically separated from the first capacitive sensor pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/693,447, filed Apr. 22, 2015, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/982,999, filed Apr. 23,2014. The entire disclosures of the foregoing applications are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to water delivery devices,such as faucets, showerheads, and the like. More specifically, thepresent application relates to electronically controlled water deliverydevices that provide for multi-gestural control of water temperature andfor programmability of various features associated with the devices atthe end user or installer level.

Generally speaking, traditional electronically controlled water deliverydevices, such as faucets and showerheads, have limitations. Forinstance, many electronically controlled water delivery devices arelimited in terms of which functions can be controlled and whether thosefunctions are programmable/adjustable at the end user or installerlevel. In terms of the functions that can be controlled, manyelectronically controlled water delivery devices are limited tocontrolling on/off functionality. For example, some traditional faucetsinclude an infrared (IR) sensor that is operatively (e.g., electrically)connected to a control valve for controlling a flow of water from thefaucet. Typically, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of auser's hand or other body part, such that when the user's hand isdetected, a control valve can be operated to allow a flow of water froma water source to reach the user. However, characteristics such as waterflow rate and water temperature are typically set using manual controlsor are preset and cannot be adjusted by a user in a hands-free mannerafter the water is turned on. Thus, when a user activates a traditionalelectronically controlled water delivery device, the user must manuallyadjust the temperature and/or flow rate using faucet handles or thelike, thus negating at least some of the benefits of a hands-freesystem, such as maintaining a sanitary environment.

The control of traditional electronically controlled water deliverydevices is also limited to specific human gestures/movements to performcertain functions (e.g., either touch or touchless controls forcontrolling water temperature or flow rate). For example, infraredproximity sensors can only be activated by sensing the presence of auser's body part (e.g., a user's hand, etc.) within a specific detectionzone surrounding the sensor. Thus, if a user directly contacts thesensor or waves their hand at a distance outside of the zone ofdetection of the sensor, then the sensor will not be activated. This isundesirable, because the zone of detection of most sensors is difficultto determine. Furthermore, determining what gestures are required toactivate those sensors is not intuitive. Ultimately, this can befrustrating for an end user who is attempting to use a traditionalelectronically controlled water delivery device and can result in usererrors.

In terms of limitations related to programmability of water deliverydevices, most electronically controlled water delivery devices include acontrol system configured to control certain functions of the device(e.g., on/off functionality, etc.). However, most traditional devices donot include programming capabilities at the end user or installer level.For example, parameters such as water temperature set points, valveconfiguration, water flow rate, and disinfection/cleaning schedules forthe device are preset and are not adjustable by an end user or aninstaller. Furthermore, usage information such as frequency of use andamount of water used in a given time period is unavailable for mostdevices. This is limiting in that an end user or an installer is unableto tailor the device or multiple devices in a network to meet the needsof a particular user or multiple users. Additionally, an end user or aninstaller is unable to verify correct operation of the device ormultiple devices, or analyze data associated with those devices todetermine future trends and/or future costs associated with water usage.

Thus, there is a need for improvements to electronically controlledwater delivery devices, and in particular, to the controls and controlsystems of such devices that allow for increased functionality,multi-gestural control of water temperature, and programmability ofvarious features associated with the devices at the end user/installerlevel. These and other advantageous features will become apparent tothose reviewing the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present application relates to a water deliverydevice. A water delivery device includes a body, a user interface, amicro-mixing valve, first and second capacitive sensors, and acontroller. The body includes a base and a spout. The user interface isprovided on the spout. The micro-mixing valve is contained within thebody and is in fluid communication with a hot water source and a coldwater source. The first capacitive sensor is provided below the userinterface. The second capacitive sensor is provided below the userinterface and is spaced apart from the first capacitive sensor. Thecontroller is operatively connected to the first capacitive sensor, thesecond capacitive sensor, and the micro-mixing valve. Each of the firstand second capacitive sensors is configured to be independentlyactivated by a user to transmit a signal to the controller to increaseor decrease a temperature of a flow of water flowing from themicro-mixing valve.

Another embodiment relates to a faucet assembly. The faucet assemblyincludes a body, a user interface, an electronically controlledmicro-mixing valve, first and second capacitive sensors, and acontroller. The body includes a base and a spout. The spout extendsoutwardly from the base. The user interface is provided on the spout.The electronically controlled micro-mixing valve is in fluidcommunication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The firstcapacitive sensor is provided below the user interface on the spout andis configured to increase a temperature of a flow of water flowing fromthe electronically controlled micro-mixing valve. The second capacitivesensor is provided below the user interface on the spout and isconfigured to decrease the temperature of the flow of water flowing fromthe electronically controlled micro-mixing valve. The controller isoperatively connected to the first capacitive sensor, the secondcapacitive sensor, and the electronically controlled micro-mixing valve.The controller is configured to receive a signal from the first or thesecond capacitive sensor and to transmit a corresponding signal to theelectronically controlled micro-mixing valve to independently control aflow of water from the hot water source and the cold water source so asto increase or decrease the temperature of the flow of water flowingfrom the electronically controlled micro-mixing valve. Each of theelectronically controlled micro-mixing valve and the controller isdisposed within the body of the faucet assembly.

Another embodiment relates to a water delivery device. The waterdelivery device includes a body, a micro-mixing valve, first and secondcapacitive sensors, and a controller. The micro-mixing valve is disposedwithin the body and is in fluid communication with a hot water sourceand a cold water source. The first capacitive sensor is provided withinthe body and is associated with a water temperature increase. The secondcapacitive sensor is provided within the body, spaced apart from thefirst capacitive sensor, and is associated with a water temperaturedecrease. The controller is disposed within the body and is operativelyconnected to the micro-mixing valve, the first capacitive sensor, andthe second capacitive sensor. Each of the first and second capacitivesensors is configured to be independently activated by a user to controla flow of water from the hot and the cold water sources to adjust atemperature of a flow of water flowing from the micro-mixing valve.

Another embodiment relates to a control system for a water deliverydevice. The control system includes a water delivery device including amixing valve, a controller configured to control the mixing valve, and afirst optical communications interface coupled to the controller. Thecontrol system further includes a communications bridge including asecond optical communications interface and a separate datacommunications interface. The communications bridge is configured toexchange information with the water delivery device using opticalcommunications via the first and second optical communicationsinterfaces, and to exchange information with a user device usingelectronic data communications between the user via and the datacommunications interface.

Another embodiment relates to a control system for a network of waterdelivery devices distributed throughout a facility. The control systemincludes a plurality of mixing valves. Each of mixing valves is fluidlyconnected to a discrete set of the water delivery devices and configuredto affect an attribute of water output by the fluidly connected waterdelivery devices. Each of the discrete sets of water delivery devices islocated in a different room of a facility. The control system furtherincludes a controller for the plurality of mixing valves The controlleris configured to establish a communications link between the controllerand a user device, receive configuration information from a user devicevia the communications link, generate control signals for the pluralityof mixing valves based on the configuration information, and provide thecontrol signals to the plurality of mixing valves. The control signalscause the plurality of mixing valves to controllably adjust theattribute of the water output by the fluidly connected water deliverydevices.

Another embodiment relates to a control system for a network of waterdelivery devices. The control system includes a plurality of mixingvalves. Each of mixing valves is fluidly connected to a discrete set ofthe water delivery devices and configured to affect an attribute ofwater output by the fluidly connected water delivery devices. Thecontrol system further includes a controller for the plurality of mixingvalves. The controller is configured to establish a communications linkbetween the controller and a remote system via a communications network,receive update data from the remote system via the communications link,use the update data to update configuration settings stored within thecontroller, generate control signals for the plurality of mixing valvesusing the updated configuration settings, and provide the controlsignals to the plurality of mixing valves. The control signals cause theplurality of mixing valves to controllably adjust the attribute of thewater output by the fluidly connected water delivery devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a faucet according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of various deck-mounted faucets accordingto various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a wall-mounted tap according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a control system for a waterdelivery device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 1 according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the faucet assembly of FIG. 1 shown without auser interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a user interface according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of a mixing valve for adeck-mounted faucet assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a faucet assembly and a communicationbridge shown in an uninstalled position, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the communication bridge and the faucetassembly of FIG. 8A shown in an installed position, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration in whichthe communication bridge of FIG. 8A communicates with the faucetassembly of FIG. 1 via an infrared (IR) communications interface, andcommunicates directly with a user device via a separate datacommunications interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration similarto the configuration of FIG. 9A, with the exception that thecommunications between the user device and the communication bridge areconducted via an intermediate communications network, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration in whichthe faucet assembly of FIG. 1 communicates directly with a user devicevia a data communications interface, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration similarto the configuration of FIG. 10A, with the exception that thecommunications between the user device and the communication bridge areconducted via an intermediate communications network, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of a shower including a variety of shower outletsthat can be operated using one or more of the mixing valves of FIG. 7,as well as other output devices (i.e., speakers, lighting devices, andsteam outlets) that can be operated therewith, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a shower control system including acentral configured to monitor and control the mixing valves and theother output devices in the shower of FIG. 11, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another shower control system in which thecontroller of FIG. 12 is used to control a plurality of the mixingvalves of FIG. 7, each of which affects the water dispensed by adifferent set of water delivery devices located in different rooms orzones of a facility, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the controller of FIG. 12 ingreater detail, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process for controlling a water deliverydevice via an optical communications interface, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process for retrieving information from awater delivery device via an optical communications interface, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process for programming a controller for aplurality of water delivery devices, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process for retrieving information from acontroller for a plurality of water delivery devices, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a process for updating a controller for aplurality of water delivery devices via a communications network,according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are water deliverydevices that allow for the multi-gestural control of water temperature,allow for the selective programming of various features associated withthe devices at the end user or installer level (e.g., water temperatureset-points, cleaning schedules, etc.), and allow for the selectiveretrieval of various data associated with the water delivery device(s)(e.g., errors/service history, water usage, etc.). In this manner, thewater delivery devices provide for a more sanitary environment for endusers by reducing the likelihood for cross-contamination and bycomplying with hand care protocols, while also providing for a moreenjoyable user experience. In addition, the water delivery devicesdisclosed herein provide for improvements in customization, maintenance,and data analysis of such devices.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the water delivery devicesdisclosed herein allow for improved control of water temperature byincluding multi-gestural controls. For example, the water deliverydevices are configured to allow a user to independently control hot andcold water sources to thereby adjust the outlet water temperature of thedevice by performing different human gestures, including both touch andtouchless human gestures. In various exemplary embodiments, the devicesare configured such that a user can perform a human gesture at or near asensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, etc.) associated with a hot and acold water source, such as momentary, repeated, or continuous physicalcontact with an outer surface of the device above the sensor or with azone of detection associated with the sensor above the outer surface ofthe device. In this way, the water delivery devices provide for improvedfunctionality and for a more intuitive, enjoyable end user experience,while still maintaining a sanitary environment. Furthermore, themulti-gestural controls prevent the need to touch the water deliverydevice to reduce the risk of cross-infection and to comply with handcare protocols in, for example, a hospital setting.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the water delivery devicesallow for selective programming of various features of the devices andthe selective retrieval of various data associated with the devices. Forexample, the water delivery devices are configured to manually receive acommunication bridge to allow for communication between a portablecommunication device (e.g., a smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) and thewater delivery device. A programmable software application can beaccessed from the portable communication device that can enable a useror an installer to selectively program various features of the waterdelivery device, such as water valve configuration, networkconfiguration (with multiple water delivery devices), thermaldisinfection schedules, cold water flush cycles, water outletconfiguration, duty flush cycles, electronic thermal disinfectionschedules, and the like. Additionally, the software application canallow a user or an installer to selectively retrieve data from the waterdelivery device, such as water usage information and an error/failurelog to verify correct operation and to track maintenance issues forfuture reference and analysis by an end user or an installer. In thisway, the water delivery devices allow for a user or an installer toadapt the device or multiple devices to suit a particular user's needsor a group of users' needs. In addition, the devices allow formonitoring and analysis of data associated with the devices to verifycorrect operation, determine optimized maintenance schedules, andpredict future water usage and associated costs.

Throughout this disclosure, several examples of water delivery devicesare provided to illustrate various features of the present application.The water delivery devices are described primarily as faucet assemblies,shower outlets, and the valves associated therewith. However, it shouldbe understood that the present application is applicable to any of avariety of water delivery devices in addition to the specific examplesdescribed in detail herein. For example, the present application can beused in conjunction with faucets, shower outlets, bath tub taps, hottubs, sprinkler systems, water fountains, irrigation systems, washingmachines, dishwashers, water dispensers in a refrigerator or freezer,ice makers, water cooling systems (e.g., for electronic hardware,machinery, and the like), and/or any other system or device thatconsumes, uses, or dispenses water from a water source during operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-4, a water delivery device is shown as afaucet assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the faucet assembly 100 includes a body 110 having a base 111and a spout 112 extending outwardly from an upper portion of the base111. The faucet assembly 100 is configured to be coupled to acountertop, a basin, a fixed portion of a building (e.g., a wall, etc.),or other similar fixed structure (not shown) via the base 111. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the water delivery devicecan be a faucet 100A including a base configured for deck-mounting(e.g., mounting adjacent a basin, a countertop, etc.). As shown in FIG.1A, the faucet 100A can have a different height base, according tovarious exemplary embodiments. According to another exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1B, the water delivery device is a tap 100B including abase configured for wall-mounting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the body 110 is a molded structuremade from a rigid or a semi-rigid material or combinations of materials,such as plastic, metal, or the like. The body 110 is constructed so asto minimize the number of crevices or seams to prevent contamination andbuildup of bacteria on/in the assembly. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,a lower portion of the spout 112 and the base 111 are formed (e.g.,molded, etc.) integrally as a single structure. In this way, the faucetassembly 100 is well suited for applications where cleanliness andsterilization are important, such as in a hospital setting. According tovarious exemplary embodiments, the body 110 may include a variety ofdifferent surface finishes/treatments or combinations of surfacefinishes, such as plating (e.g., chrome PVD plating, etc.), paint,coatings (e.g., clear coating, etc.), or other similar types of surfacetreatments.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-4, the faucet assembly 100 includes a userinterface 120 provided on or coupled to an upper portion of the spout112. The faucet assembly 100 includes only one continuous seam where theuser interface 120 engages the body 110. This design configuration,advantageously, helps to minimize the accumulation of bacteria and helpsto facilitate cleaning of the assembly by a user or an installer.According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 120 isremovable from the spout 112 to allow for maintenance or repair of thefaucet assembly 100 (see, for example, FIG. 4). The user interface 120is configured to provide a visual indication to a user or an installerof various functions of the faucet assembly 100, including watertemperature controls, on/off function, outlet water temperatureindication, and other functions which are discussed in greater detailbelow. The user interface 120 is also configured to allow a user toselectively adjust an outlet water temperature by either touch ortouchless (i.e., hands-free) controls. For example, a user canphysically contact an outer surface of the user interface 120, atrespective hot and cold water controls to independently control hot andcold water sources, to thereby adjust the outlet water temperature.Alternatively, a user can adjust the outlet water temperature byindependently contacting a zone of detection located within an areaabove each of the hot and cold water temperature controls on the userinterface 120. The zones of detection correspond to respectivecapacitive sensors (i.e., first and second capacitive sensors 141 and142 shown in FIG. 4) provided below or coupled to a lower portion of theuser interface 120, the function and structure of which is discussed infurther detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the faucet assembly 100 includes an electroniccontrol system shown as a controller 193. The controller 193 is shown toinclude a processing circuit 194 having a central processing unit (CPU)190 and a memory 191, according to an exemplary embodiment. According toan exemplary embodiment, the CPU 190 is a micro-control unit (MCU). Inother embodiments, the CPU 190 can be implemented as a general purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable electronic processing components. Thememory 191 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may includeone or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage,etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent application. The memory 191 may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present application. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory 191 is communicably connected to theCPU 190 via the processing circuit 194 and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit 194 and/or the CPU 190) oneor more processes described herein. In some embodiments, the memory 191is configured to store/log various data associated with the faucetassembly 100, such as errors/service history, water usage history,cleaning schedules, and the like.

The controller 193 is operatively connected to a first capacitive sensor141, a second capacitive sensor 142, an IR communication interface 131,and an IR control sensor 132. An input/output (I/O) port 192 isconfigured to provide visual indications (e.g., LED backlighting, etc.)of various functions of the faucet assembly 100, such as watertemperature, programming/service functions, on/off function, and thelike. The controller 193 is also operatively connected to a fluidcontrol valve shown schematically as a mixing valve 160.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing valve 160 is amicro-mixing valve that is electronically controlled. As shown in FIG.2, the mixing valve 160 is in fluidic communication with both a hotwater source 196 and a cold water source 197. The mixing valve 160 isconfigured to receive signals from the first and second capacitivesensors 141 and 142 via the controller 193 to selectively andindependently control a flow of water from the hot and cold watersources 196 and 197. According to an exemplary embodiment, the firstcapacitive sensor 141 is associated with a water temperature increase(i.e., hot and cold water sources 196 and 197) and the second capacitivesensor 142 is associated with a water temperature decrease (i.e., hotand cold water sources 196 and 197). In this way, the control systemallows for the independent control of hot and cold water sources toenable the selective control of an outlet water temperature for thefaucet assembly 100.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the IR control sensor 132 is configured tocontrol the on/off functionality of the mixing valve 160 by, forexample, detecting the proximity of a user's body part(s) (e.g., a hand,a finger, etc.). The IR control sensor 132 is in electroniccommunication with the mixing valve 160 and can be activated/controlledby detecting the presence of a user's hand (or other body part(s)). Forexample, if a user wishes to turn on a flow of water from the faucetassembly 100, the user can approach a zone of detection associated withthe IR control sensor 132 located near the faucet assembly 100, such asnear the spout 112, according to an exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 4).The user can perform a hand gesture within the zone of detectionassociated with the IR control sensor 132 to turn on a flow of water.The IR control sensor 132 will transmit a signal to the controller 193which will instruct the mixing valve 160 to provide a flow of water tothe user by transmitting a corresponding signal to the mixing valve 160.According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 193 may beprogrammed to provide a flow of water at a default flow rate, which canbe selectively adjusted/programmed by a user or an installer. Thecontroller 193 is further configured to maintain the default orprogrammed water flow rate during water temperature adjustments by auser.

The IR communication interface 131 is configured to communicate with acommunication bridge 200 (shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) that may be removablycoupled to the faucet assembly 100 to allow for servicing or programmingof various features of the faucet assembly 100 and/or for retrievingdata from the faucet assembly 100. According to an exemplary embodiment,the communication bridge 200 is configured to allow a user or aninstaller to communicate with the faucet assembly 100 using a portablecommunication device (e.g., a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.) viaa wireless communication protocol, such as a Bluetooth communicationprotocol. The user or the installer can access a software application ona portable communication device to selectively program or service thefaucet assembly 100 and/or to retrieve data stored within the memory 191of the faucet assembly 100. The details of the various programmablefeatures and data retrieval aspects of the faucet assembly 100 arediscussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the faucet assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in apartial perspective view. As shown in FIG. 3, the mixing valve 160 has asize and configuration that allows it to be disposed within the base 111of the body 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. The mixing valve160 can have a micro size to facilitate coupling within the base 111 ofthe body 110 so as to form a single faucet assembly unit. In this way,the faucet assembly 100 minimizes assembly issues and provides forimprovements in packaging various water delivery system components(e.g., valves, fluid conduits, electronics, etc.). According to otherexemplary embodiments (not shown), the mixing valve 160 is locatedremotely from the faucet assembly 100, such as in a separate housing orstructure located adjacent to the faucet assembly 100 (e.g., a cabinet,a wall, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mixing valve160 is a micro-mixing valve similar to the mixing valve disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,263 filed on Mar. 12, 2013, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein anddetails of which are discussed in further detail below. The mixing valve160 is in fluidic communication with a fluid conduit 180. The fluidconduit 180 is configured to direct a flow of water from the mixingvalve 160 to an outlet 185 located at a distal end of the spout 112.According to an exemplary embodiment, the fluid conduit 180 is made froma material that is capable of reducing biofilm accumulation, such ascopper. In this way, the fluid conduit 180 can advantageously providefor a more sanitary waterway within the faucet assembly 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outlet 185 is configured toshape a flow of water exiting the faucet assembly 100 so as to eliminatethe need for a flow straightener, as is typically required in mosttraditional faucet assemblies. For example, in many faucet assemblies, aflow straightener such as a plastic mesh is used to shape and direct aflow of water to a user. However, most flow straighteners are prone toaccumulation of bacteria due to their structure, which typicallyincludes multiple openings, and due to their material, which istypically a polymeric material. In contrast, the outlet 185 is formedfrom a material suitable to minimize the amount of bio-film accumulationtherein, such as brass. In addition, the outlet 185 does not include amesh structure and therefore, minimizes the likelihood of bacteriaaccumulation. The outlet 185 includes one central opening and is coupleddirectly to an end of the fluid conduit 180. According to otherexemplary embodiments, the faucet assembly 100 is configured to use atraditional flow straightener coupled to the fluid conduit 180.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the faucet assembly 100 also includes one ormore circuit boards positioned within the spout 112 (shown in detail inFIG. 4) and one or more electrical cables 170 routed therein. Thecircuit board(s) and the electrical cable(s) 170 are configured to allowfor electronic control of various functions of the faucet assembly 100,such as water temperature, water flow rate, faucet disinfection, faucetprogramming, and data retrieval, among other functions. According to anexemplary embodiment, one or more electrical cables 170 operativelyconnect the mixing valve 160 to a capacitive sensing module 140, toallow for the selective and independent control of hot and cold watersources 196 and 197. According to another exemplary embodiment (notshown), the one or more electrical cables 170 can be routed to connectadditional faucet assemblies 100 and/or water delivery devices locatedwithin, for example, a building to form a network of a plurality ofwater delivery devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, thenetwork may include one or more showerheads, faucet assemblies, or otherelectronically controlled water delivery devices.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates an exploded view of thefaucet assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3, the user interface 120 includes a baseshown as a panel member 121 and a graphics layer shown as a film 122.According to an exemplary embodiment, the panel member 121 is moldedfrom a plastic, such as a black PET resin including a glass filler(e.g., 30% glass filled, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment,the film 122 is a screen printed structure that is sandwiched betweenthe panel member 121 and a substantially transparent, outer plasticlayer. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer plastic layer isovermolded onto the panel member 121 with the film 122 disposedtherebetween. According to an exemplary embodiment, the film 122 is madefrom a PC/PMMA plastic blend and includes screen printed graphics/iconsprinted thereon. The outer plastic layer is made from a robust,substantially transparent plastic (e.g., a PEN/PET resin, etc.)sufficient to protect the graphics/icons on the film 122 from beingdamaged or warn out by, for example, a user's physical touch, fluids(e.g., soap, water, etc.), or other environmental contaminants. Both thefilm 122 (or portions thereof) and the outer plastic layer aresufficiently light transmissive to allow light (e.g., LED light, etc.)to pass through from behind the user interface 120 to provide visualfeedback of various functions of the faucet assembly 100 to a user or aninstaller. According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 120further includes a UV spray-on hard coat disposed over the outer plasticlayer to provide additional surface protection of the user interface120. According to other exemplary embodiments, the panel member 121, thefilm 122, and/or the outer layer may be made from other rigid orsemi-rigid materials or combinations of materials.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user interface 120 is positioned over thecapacitive sensing module 140 and is further configured to allow a userto control the temperature of a flow of water from the faucet assembly100 using both “touch” and “touchless” human gestures. As used herein,the term “touch” human gestures refers to human physical contact with acomponent, such as with an outer surface of the user interface 120 abovethe first or second capacitive sensors 141 and 142, such that eithersensor will detect a change in a capacitance value. In contrast, theterm “touchless” human gestures refers to human contact with a zone ofdetection, such as may be associated with either the first or secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 located above the user interface 120,such that either sensor will detect a change in a capacitance value.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the capacitive sensing module 140 is coupledwithin the spout 112 directly below the user interface 120. As shown inFIG. 4, the capacitive sensing module 140 includes a first capacitivesensor 141, which is associated with a hot and/or a cold water source196 and 197, and a second capacitive sensor 142, which is alsoassociated with a hot and/or a cold water source 196 and 197. Accordingto the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, each of the first and secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 is a sensor pad configured to engagecorresponding electrical contacts located on a first circuit board 143.Each of the sensor pads is coupled directly to a rear portion of theuser interface 120 (i.e., a rear inner surface of the panel member 121).According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the sensor pads is adheredto the rear inner surface of the panel member 121 using an adhesive.Each of the sensor pads is configured to engage respective electricalcontacts located on the first circuit board 143 to form an electricalconnection. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first andsecond capacitive sensors 141 and 142 is operatively connected to thecontroller 193 (shown schematically in FIG. 2), which forms part of thefirst circuit board 143 and/or a second circuit board 144, located belowthe first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142. As noted above,each of the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 isconfigured to allow for the independent control of hot and cold watersources 196 and 197 to control an outlet water temperature using bothtouch and touchless human gestures.

For example, if a user of the faucet assembly 100 desires warmer water,the controller 193 and the first capacitive sensor 141 (associated withthe hot water source 196) are configured such that the user can performdifferent hand gestures at/near the sensor, including momentary,repeated, or continuous physical contact with an outer surface of theuser interface (i.e., touch control), or physical presence within a zoneof detection above the user interface (i.e., touchless control) toincrementally increase the temperature of a flow of water to the user.Similarly, if a user desires colder water, the controller 193 and thesecond capacitive sensor 142 (associated with the cold water source 197)are configured such that the user can perform different hand gesturesat/near the sensor including momentary, repeated, or continuous physicalcontact with an outer surface of the user interface (i.e., touchcontrol), or physical presence within a zone of detection above the userinterface (i.e., touchless control) to incrementally decrease thetemperature of a flow of water to the user. The activated capacitivesensor will transmit a corresponding signal to the controller 193, whichis operatively connected to the mixing valve 160 in fluidiccommunication with the hot and cold water sources 196 and 197. Themixing valve 160 will then control the amount of water received from thehot and/or cold water sources 196 and 197 based on the received signalfrom the controller 193, to thereby incrementally increase or decreasethe temperature of the flow of water to a user. In this way, thetemperature of the flow of water to an end user can be selectively andindependently controlled using multiple human gestures.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system includingcontroller 193 is configured to change/adjust the water temperature atdifferent increments depending on an individual user's needs or multipleusers' needs. For example, a signal to adjust the water temperaturereceived from the first or second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 cancorrespond to an incremental increase or decrease in water temperatureof one degree Fahrenheit (1° F.) or more, depending on the desiredincremental value. The value of the incremental change in watertemperature can be a programmable feature in the control system (i.e.,controller 193), which can be adjusted/modified by a user or aninstaller.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first andsecond circuit boards 143 and 144 are each coupled within the body 110using one or more fasteners shown as screws 150. However, it isappreciated that the first and/or second circuit boards 143 and 144 maybe coupled within the body 110 using other types of fasteners orcombinations of fasteners, such as snap features, adhesive, or the like,according to other exemplary embodiments (not shown). The capacitivesensing module 140 is operatively connected to the controller 193 andthe mixing valve 160 (shown in FIG. 3) via one or more electricalconnections such as electrical cables, electrical connectors, circuitboard leads, or other types of suitable electrical connections.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second circuit boards 143 and 144 eachinclude one or more indicators 145, 146, and 147 (e.g., LED lights,etc.) configured to provide visual feedback to a user or an installer ofvarious functions of the faucet assembly 100. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the indicator 145 is an LED array including differentcolored LEDs (e.g., red and blue LEDs, etc.) configured to indicate arelative outlet water temperature for the faucet assembly 100. Theindicator 146 includes one or more LEDs associated with a programmedcycle of the faucet assembly 100 and is configured to indicate that thefaucet assembly 100 is undergoing either a programming session or aprogrammed cycle (e.g., thermal disinfection cycle, duty flush cycle,cold water flush cycle, etc.). The indicator 147 includes one or moreLEDs associated with a service function of the faucet assembly 100 andis configured to indicate that the faucet assembly 100 is undergoing aservice or is experiencing an operation error. Each of the first andsecond circuit boards 143 and 144 also includes various electricalcomponents, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and the like.The first circuit board 143 is operatively (i.e., electrically)connected to the second circuit board 144 via an electrical connectorshown as a multi-pin connector, although it is appreciated that othertypes of electrical connectors may be used, such as ribbon cables or thelike, according to other exemplary embodiments (not shown). According toan exemplary embodiment, the faucet assembly 100 is operativelyconnected to a power source 195 (shown schematically in FIG. 2), such asa battery, a building power supply, or the electrical grid.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the faucet assembly 100 further includes aninfrared sensing module 130 located at a distal end of the spout 112.The infrared sensing module 130 is operatively connected to the secondcircuit board 144 via an electrical connector shown as a ribbon cable,according to an exemplary embodiment. The infrared sensing module 130includes an infrared (IR) communication interface 131 and an infrared(IR) control sensor 132 positioned adjacent to each other on the module.The infrared control sensor 132 is configured to control a flow of waterfrom the faucet assembly 100 by detecting the proximity of a user (e.g.,by detecting a user's hand or other body part, etc.). The infraredcontrol sensor 132 is operatively connected to the mixing valve 160 viacontroller 193. The infrared communication interface 131 is configuredto communicate with a communications bridge 200 (shown in FIGS. 9A-9B)to allow for remote programming of the faucet assembly 100 and/or remotedata retrieval from the faucet assembly 100 by a user or an installerusing a portable communication device (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, asmartphone, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 5, the relative positions of the first and secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 within the faucet assembly 100 are shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the first andsecond capacitive sensors 141 and 142 are positioned laterally adjacentto each other at a first distance of about 0.477 inches (12.12millimeters) along a first portion of each sensor located nearest thedistal end of the spout 112, and at a second distance of about 0.594inches (15.1 millimeters) along a second portion of each sensor locatedfarthest from the distal end of the spout 112. Each of the first andsecond capacitive sensors 141 and 142 has an arcuate/curved shapeextending laterally along the entire length of each sensor (see FIG. 4).Each sensor 141 and 142 has an overall length of about 3.36 inches(85.29 millimeters). According to other exemplary embodiments (notshown), each of the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 canhave a generally flat configuration. According to other exemplaryembodiments, the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 canhave different dimensions and/or relative spacing within the faucetassembly 100. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, each ofthe first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 are sensor padsconfigured to be coupled to a rear inner surface of the panel member 121(shown in FIG. 4), and to engage respective electrical contacts on thefirst circuit board 143 within the faucet assembly 100. The first andsecond capacitive sensors 141 and 142 each has a shape or outer contourthat is substantially the same as an outer surface contour of the userinterface 120, so as to enable error free activation of each sensor(i.e., sufficient detection of a change in a capacitance value).

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 has a zone of detection that at leastpartially surrounds each sensor for detecting a change in capacitance.According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the respective zones ofdetection extend above an outer surface of the user interface 120 adistance of about 1.5 inches (about 35 millimeters) to about 2 inches(about 50 millimeters). For example, if a user waves/swipes their handabove both of the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142,outside of each of the respective zones of detection, neither sensorwill detect a change in capacitance and thus, the outlet watertemperature will not be adjusted.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 is a mutual-capacitive sensor configuredto allow for multi-touch operation using multiple fingers, hands, or thelike to control/activate the sensor. According to other exemplaryembodiments, each of the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142is a self-capacitive sensor configured to sense the capacitive load of asingle finger or a hand to control/activate the sensor.

According to various exemplary embodiments, each of the first and secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 is configured such that a user canactivate each sensor to control the outlet water temperature usingmultiple human gestures (i.e., multi-gestural control), including bothtouch and touchless controls. In particular, the faucet assembly isconfigured such that a user can activate either of the first or secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142 using momentary, repeated, or continuousphysical contact with either the user interface 120 or physical presencewithin a zone of detection associated with the sensor located above theuser interface 120. In this way, the faucet assembly 100 provides forincreased functionality and for a more intuitive, enjoyable end userexperience.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user can activate either thefirst or second capacitive sensors 141 or 142 by momentarily contactingeither the user interface 120 or by momentarily placing a hand/fingerwithin a zone of detection associated with the respective sensor abovethe user interface 120. A user can momentarily (e.g., 1-2 seconds, etc.)place their hand or a portion thereof directly on an outer surface ofthe user interface 120. Alternatively, the user can momentarily wave orplace their hand within the zone of detection of the sensor above theuser interface 120. Each sensor 141 and 142 is configured to detect thepresence of a user's hand as a capacitance change and to then transmit acorresponding signal to the controller 193. For example, if a usermomentarily places their hand above or directly on a hot water controlicon of the user interface 120 within a zone of detection of the firstcapacitive sensor 141, the first capacitive sensor 141 will detect achange in capacitance and will transmit a signal to increase the watertemperature to controller 193 (i.e., by controlling the hot and/or coldwater sources 196 and 197 via the mixing valve 160). Similarly, if auser momentarily places their hand above or directly on a cold watercontrol icon of the user interface 120 within a zone of detection of thesecond capacitive sensor 142, the second capacitive sensor 142 willdetect a change in capacitance and will transmit a signal to decreasethe water temperature to controller 193 (i.e., by controlling the hotand/or cold water sources 196 and 197 via the mixing valve 160).

According to another exemplary embodiment, a user can activate either ofthe first or second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 by repeated physicalcontact with either the user interface 120 (e.g., by tapping a fingerdirectly on the user interface 120, etc.) or by repeated physicalpresence within a zone of detection associated with the respectivesensor above the user interface 120 (e.g., by repeatedly waving a handor finger, etc.). For example, each time a user repeatedly places andremoves their hand or finger above or directly on the hot water controlicon of the user interface 120 within a zone of detection of the firstcapacitive sensor 141, the first capacitive sensor 141 will detect achange in capacitance and will transmit a signal to increase the watertemperature to controller 193 (i.e., by controlling the hot and/or coldwater sources 196 and 197 via the mixing valve 160). Similarly, eachtime a user repeatedly places and removes their hand or fingerwithin/from an area above or directly on the cold water control icon ofthe user interface 120 within a zone of detection of the secondcapacitive sensor 142, the second capacitive sensor 142 will detect achange in capacitance and will transmit a signal to decrease the watertemperature to controller 193 (i.e., by controlling the hot and/or coldwater sources 196 and 197 via the mixing valve 160). Thus, if a userrepeatedly taps or places their hand/finger within a zone of detectionof either sensor, the water temperature will repeatedly adjust.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a user can activate either ofthe first or second capacitive sensors 141 and 142 to continuouslyadjust the outlet water temperature by continuous physical contact witheither the user interface 120 (e.g., by holding a finger directly on theuser interface 120, etc.) or by continuous physical presence within azone of detection associated with the respective sensor above the userinterface 120 (e.g., by holding a hand or finger still, etc.). Forexample, if a user places their hand or finger above or directly on thehot water control icon of the user interface 120 within a zone ofdetection of the first capacitive sensor 141 for a continuous period oftime (e.g., 2 or more seconds, etc.), the first capacitive sensor 141will continuously detect a change in capacitance and will transmit asignal to continuously increase the water temperature to controller 193(i.e., by controlling the hot and/or cold water sources 196 and 197 viathe mixing valve 160). Similarly, if a user places their hand or fingerin an area above or directly on the cold water control icon of the userinterface 120 within a zone of detection of the second capacitive sensor142 for a continuous period of time (e.g., 2 or more seconds, etc.), thesecond capacitive sensor 142 will continuously detect a change incapacitance and will transmit a signal to continuously decrease thewater temperature to controller 193 (i.e., by controlling the hot and/orcold water sources 196 and 197 via the mixing valve 160). A signal toadjust the outlet water temperature can be transmitted to the controller193 and to the mixing valve 160 until either a capacitance change is nolonger detected (i.e., until the user removes their hand from the zoneof detection) or the outlet water temperature reaches a maximum orminimum value programmed in the controller 193.

According to an exemplary embodiment, if a user attempts to adjust theoutlet water temperature by holding a hand/finger within a zone ofdetection of the sensor above the user interface 120 or directly on theuser interface 120 above the sensor, the controller 193 is programmed toadjust the water temperature incrementally or continuously. For example,the controller 193 includes a timer that has a built-in time period thatcorresponds to either an incremental adjustment or a continuousadjustment in the outlet water temperature. The timer begins countingfrom the moment the first or second capacitive sensors 141 or 142detects a capacitance change until the period ends, at which point, theoutlet water temperature is adjusted by one increment. Thus, if a userpresses and holds their hand/finger on an outer surface of the userinterface 120 above the first or second capacitive sensors 141 or 142(or holds their hand still within the zone of detection of one thesensors) for a period of time corresponding to the period programmed inthe timer, the water temperature will be adjusted by one increment afterthe period lapses/ends. Once the period ends and the water temperatureis adjusted by one increment, the timer is reset to zero and beginscounting again to continually adjust the water temperature. The processcontinues until the sensor no longer detects a capacitance change and/oruntil the water temperature reaches a maximum or minimum value, whichmay be programmed in the controller 193.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 193 is configuredto modify the built-in time period of the timer if a user iscontinuously adjusting the outlet water temperature so as to provide fora more rapid adjustment of the outlet water temperature. For example, ifa user is attempting to continuously adjust the outlet water temperatureby holding their hand or finger within a zone of detection of one of thesensors 141 or 142 for a period of time that exceeds the built-in timeperiod for a single increment adjustment, the controller 193 willshorten the built-in time period to create a second time period, suchthat the water temperature will adjust more rapidly. According to anexemplary embodiment, the second time period has a duration that is halfas long as the duration of the original time period if the controller193 determines that a user is continuously adjusting the outlet watertemperature.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 193 is configuredto prioritize water temperature change requests from a user. Forexample, if a user waves their hand once across the faucet assembly 100starting at the cold water control icon and ending at the hot watercontrol icon (e.g., moving their hand from right to left above thefaucet), the controller 193 will determine that the second capacitivesensor 142 was activated first, and a signal corresponding to thedesired water temperature decrease will be transmitted to the mixingvalve 160. The controller 193 operates the same if a user continuallywaves their hand across both of the first and second capacitive sensors141 and 142. In this circumstance, the water temperature will adjustaccording to which sensor is activated first each time the user wavestheir hand across the faucet assembly 100. In this way, the faucetassembly 100 can prioritize water temperature change requests.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 193 is configuredto disregard the activation of one of the first or second capacitivesensors 141 or 142 as an inadvertent act if the activation of the sensoroccurs within close succession of the activation of the other sensor(i.e., is within a certain time period after activating the intendedcapacitive sensor). In one exemplary embodiment, close succession can bewithin about one second or less. For example, if a user quickly wavestheir hand back and forth across the first and second capacitive sensors141 and 142, starting at the first capacitive sensor 141, moving acrossto the second capacitive sensor 142, and then back to the firstcapacitive sensor 141, the controller 193 will determine that the firstcapacitive sensor 141 was activated first and that the second capacitivesensor 142 was activated second. If the second capacitive sensor 142 wasactivated within a certain time period (e.g., within about 1 second orless, etc.) of activating the intended capacitive sensor (i.e., thefirst capacitive sensor 141), then the controller 193 will disregardactivation of the second capacitive sensor 142 as an inadvertent act.The first capacitive sensor 141 will then transmit a signal to increasethe water temperature to controller 193. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the time period can be a programmable setting within thecontroller 193 via a software application that can be selectivelyadjusted by a user or an installer.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 193 includes aprogrammable built-in delay feature that allows for a delay periodbetween activating the first and second capacitive sensors 141 and 142.For example, if a user activates the hot water control icon (e.g., byplacing their hand within a zone of detection over the first capacitivesensor 141), the system is configured to initiate a delay in which theuser can no longer activate the second capacitive sensors 142 until thedelay period ends. Once the delay period ends, the system will resumeoperating such that the user can control the water temperature again.Likewise, if a user activates the cold water control icon (e.g., byplacing their hand within a zone of detection over the second capacitivesensor 142), the system is configured to initiate a delay in which theuser can no longer activate the first capacitive sensor 141 until thedelay period ends. According to an exemplary embodiment, the delayperiod can be adjusted via a software application accessible from aportable communication device to provide for an optimal user experience.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the user interface 120 includes variousindicators and graphics/icons printed on the film 122. As shown in FIG.6, the film 122 includes a hot water control icon 124 shown as a (+)symbol and a cold water control icon 125 shown as a (−) symbolpositioned adjacent the hot water control icon 124. Each of the hot andcold water control icons 124 and 125 is associated with the first andsecond capacitive sensors 141 and 142, respectively, which are locatedbehind the user interface 120 on a rear inner surface of the panelmember 121. The film 122 further includes an error or service indicator127 shown as a wrench symbol below the cold water control icon 125.According to an exemplary embodiment, the error or service indicator 127is configured to indicate whether the faucet assembly 100 is undergoinga service, such as programming, maintenance, or a similar operation. Thefilm 122 also includes a programmed cycle indicator 126 shown as a small(+) symbol located opposite the error/service indicator 127, which isconfigured to indicate whether the faucet assembly 100 is undergoing aprogrammed cycle, such as a thermal disinfection or a cold flush cycle.The film 122 further includes a water temperature scale 123 locatedabove the respective hot and cold water control icons 124 and 125, whichis configured to display the outlet water temperature along atemperature spectrum using an LED array 145 located behind the userinterface 120. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6,the film 122 includes a function on/off indicator 128, which isconfigured to provide an indication to a user of where to position theirhand relative to the faucet assembly 100 to turn on a flow of water.

For example, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, thefirst circuit board 143 includes an LED array 145. The LED array 145includes a plurality of blue light LEDs and red light LEDs. The bluelight LEDs are associated with a water temperature decrease and the redlight LEDs are associated with a water temperature increase. When a userincreases the water temperature by independently activating thecapacitive sensor associated with a water temperature increase (i.e.,the first capacitive sensor 141), the controller 193 is configured toturn on one or more red LEDs and/or turn off one or more blue LEDs inthe LED array 145 to provide a visual indication to the user that thewater temperature has been increased. Likewise, when a user decreasesthe water temperature by independently activating the capacitive sensorassociated with a water temperature decrease (i.e., the secondcapacitive sensor 142), the controller 193 is configured to turn off oneor more red LEDs in the LED array 145 and/or turn on one or more blueLEDs to provide a visual indication that the water temperature has beendecreased. The user interface 120 is configured to allow light from theLED array 145 to pass through the various layers of the user interfaceto provide a visual indication to a user of the faucet assembly 100. Inthis way, the LED array 145 provides visual feedback of the outlet watertemperature to a user.

According to various exemplary embodiments, one or more of the abovedescribed indicators/icons on the film 122 are configured to beilluminated/backlit using one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs, bulbs,etc.) when the respective function is on or activated. For example,according to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the faucetassembly includes a second circuit board 144 including one or more lightsources, such as LEDs, light bulbs, or the like, to provide backlightingfor various functions of the faucet assembly 100 on the user interface120. Additionally, one or more of the indicators/icons may be hiddenuntil turned on/activated. It is appreciated that the user interface 120described above and depicted in the FIGURES is merely exemplary, andthat other configurations or arrangements of indicators/functions arepossible, including additional indicators or fewer of the aboveidentified indicators. According to other exemplary embodiments (notshown), the user interface 120 is a separate device located near thefaucet assembly 100, such as on a portion of a basin, on a wall, on abacksplash, or on another fixed structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the mixing valve160 is an electronically-controlled micro-mixing valve. The mixing valveshown in FIG. 7 is configured for use in a deck-mounted faucet assembly,although it is appreciated that the mixing valve 160 can be configuredto be used in a wall-mounted tap, a shower system, a showerhead, oranother type of water delivery device. The mixing valve 160 isconfigured to control the water temperature of a flow of water to a userby selectively and independently controlling a flow of water from hotand cold water sources 196 and 197, respectively. According to anexemplary embodiment, the mixing valve 160 is operatively (e.g.,electrically) connected to the capacitive sensing module 140 and thecontroller 193 such that a sensed change in capacitance from thecapacitive sensing module 140 corresponds to a change in temperature ofa flow of water exiting the mixing valve 160 to reach an end user.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the mixing valve160 is operatively (e.g., electrically) connected to each of the firstand second capacitive sensors 141 and 142, and to the controller 193,such as by one or more electrical cables 170 (shown in FIG. 3). Themixing valve 160 is also in fluidic communication with each of the hotand cold water sources 196 and 197 at first and second water inlets 166and 167, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, the mixing valve 160 includesfirst and second valve members 162 and 163 each independently connectedto respective linear actuators, such as electronic stepper motors, whichare configured to control the position of each of the valve members 162and 163 within the valve. Each of the first and second valve members 162and 163 is pressure balanced and includes integral shut-off sealingfeatures 164 for controlling a flow of water into a mixing chamber 165of the valve. The first valve member 162 controls the amount of hotwater entering the mixing chamber 165 from the hot water source 196 andthe second valve member 163 controls the amount of cold water enteringthe mixing chamber 165 from the cold water source 197. The temperatureand flow rate of water leaving the mixing chamber 165 at an outlet port168 to a user can thereby be controlled based on the positioning of eachof the valve members 162 and 163 within the valve. According to anexemplary embodiment, the controller 193 is configured to maintain aconstant water flow rate regardless of the amount of water temperaturechange requested by a user. That is to say, the controller 193 cancontrol the relative positions of the first and the second valve members162 and 163 within the valve to maintain a constant flow rate, but canstill allow for a water temperature change to occur.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the position of each of the valvemembers 162 and 163 within the valve is independently controlled via thecontroller 193 based on a signal sent from the first or secondcapacitive sensors 141 and 142. For example, if a user wishes toincrease the water temperature from the faucet assembly 100, the usercan activate the first capacitive sensor 141 by performing a humangesture (e.g., momentary, repeated, or continuous physical contact withthe user interface or physical presence within a zone of detectionassociated with the sensor above the user interface). A correspondingelectronic signal is then transmitted to the controller 193. Thecontroller 193 processes the signal and transmits the information to themixing valve 160 to change the position of the first and/or second valvemember 162 and 163 associated with the hot water source 196 and the coldwater source 197, respectively, to thereby adjust the temperature of thewater in the mixing chamber 165. Thus, if the first capacitive sensor141 associated with a water temperature increase is activated by a user,the controller 193 will control the amount of hot and/or cold waterentering the mixing valve 160, such that the temperature of the water inthe mixing chamber 165 is increased, but the programmed flow rateremains constant. Similarly, if the second capacitive sensor 142associated with a water temperature decrease is activated by a user, thecontroller 193 will control the amount of hot and/or cold water enteringthe mixing valve 160 such that the temperature of the water in themixing chamber 165 is decreased, but the programmed flow rate remainsconstant.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing valve 160 includes aheating element (e.g., a thermistor, etc.) installed within the valve(not shown), similar to the valve configuration disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/796,337, filed on Mar. 12, 2013, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The heatingelement is configured to be in contact with the valve (e.g., extendingthrough a portion of the metal body of the valve, etc.), such as themixing chamber 165, to heat at least a portion of the static watercontained within the valve to kill bacteria present therein. The heatingelement is electrically connected to a power source (e.g., power source195) and is operatively connected to the controller 193. In variousexemplary embodiments, the heating element is configured to heat atleast a portion of the valve 160 such that the static water presentwithin the valve 160 disinfects the valve and/or a portion of the faucetassembly 100, such as the fluid conduit 180 and/or the outlet 185 (seeFIG. 3).

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, a communications bridge 200 for faucetassembly 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8Ashows communications bridge 200 in an uninstalled state, whereas FIG. 8Bshows communications bridge 200 in an installed state. As shown in FIG.8A, communications bridge 200 is configured to be coupled to faucetassembly 100 at an upper portion thereof (e.g., above user interface120, etc.). Faucet assembly 100 may be configured to detect the presenceof communications bridge 200 via infrared communication interface 131.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system of the faucetassembly 100 (i.e., controller 193) includes various features that areprogrammable by an end user or an installer. Controller 193 may beconfigured to allow for the programming of features associated withfaucet assembly 100 via communications bridge 200. Communications bridge200 may be configured to receive information from an external datasource and translate the information into infrared signals that can betransmitted to faucet assembly 100 via infrared communication interface131. In some embodiments, communications bridge 200 is configured toreceive wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) signals from a programmingapplication (e.g., a software application) running on a mobilecommunication device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). Inother embodiments, communications bridge 200 receives information via awired communications link.

According to various exemplary embodiments, controller 193 andcommunications bridge 200 allow for the programming of featuresassociated with a water delivery device (e.g., faucet assembly 100) suchas water valve configuration, network configuration, thermaldisinfection schedules, cold water flush cycles, water outletconfiguration, duty flush cycles, and electronic thermal disinfectionschedules. The features may be programmed or configured via a userinterface presented on a user device. In some embodiments, the userinterface is generated by a software application running on the userdevice. The software application transmits the programming informationand/or configuration information to communications bridge 200 via awired or wireless communications link. Communications bridge 200 thentranslates the information into infrared signals and relays the infraredsignals to faucet assembly 100 via infrared communication interface 131.

Additionally, the software application running on the user device may beconfigured to collect various types of information from faucet assembly100 via communications bridge 200. Collected information may include,for example, a data log, usage information, an error log, and/or anyother type of information that can be collected by faucet assembly 100during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, communications bridge 200 includes an infraredsensor window 203 that is configured to communicate with infraredcommunication interface 131 on faucet assembly 100. In some embodiments,the infrared signals received from faucet assembly 100 duringservicing/programming are transmitted via wireless technology (e.g.,Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.) to a mobile communication device (e.g., asmartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.) for servicing/programming faucetassembly 100. In this manner, a user or an installer can easilyservice/program faucet assembly 100 without having to physically connect(e.g., using electrical wires, connectors, or the like) a communicationdevice directly to faucet assembly 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, communications bridge 200 includesan opening 204 at a front surface (e.g., a front portion) ofcommunications bridge 200 for clearance of a knob or a handle that maybe attached to various water delivery devices. This feature allowscommunications bridge 200 to be used to program other water deliverydevices (e.g., a shower head, a bathtub tap, etc.). Communicationsbridge 200 may further include an indicator 201 located toward an upperportion of the front surface of the communications bridge 200. Indicator201 is configured to be illuminated/lit when communications bridge 200is powered on (e.g., during servicing or programming of the faucetassembly). Indicator 201 is in electrical communication with a poweron/off button 202 located below indicator 201 on the front surface ofcommunications bridge 200. According to other exemplary embodiments (notshown), indicator 201 and/or power on/off button 202 are located on adifferent portion of communications bridge 200, such as on one of thesides of communications bridge 200 or any other portion ofcommunications bridge 200 that is accessible by a user or an installer.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when a user or aninstaller accesses the servicing/programming software application via acommunication device to modify/adjust various features associated withfaucet assembly 100, the error/service indicator 147 on user interface120 is configured to be illuminated to indicate that aservice/programming is being performed. According to various exemplaryembodiments, faucet assembly 100 can be configured to be disabled fromuse during a servicing/programming period. Thus, a user is unable toturn on the flow of water and/or control the water temperature or flowrate from faucet assembly 100 during a servicing/programming period.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, block diagrams illustrating thefunctionality of communications bridge 200 are shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. Communications bridge 200 is shown to include aninfrared (IR) communications interface 231 and a data communicationsinterface 232. In some embodiments, IR communications interface 231includes an IR emitter and/or sensor. IR communications interface 231may be configured to establish an IR communications link 204 with IRcommunications interface 131 of faucet assembly 100. Althoughcommunications bridge 200 is described primarily with reference tofaucet assembly 100, it should be understood that communications bridge200 may communicate with any of a variety of water delivery devices(e.g., faucets, shower outlets, bath tub taps, toilets, water-consumingappliances, etc.).

Communications bridge 200 and faucet assembly 100 may exchangeinformation across IR communications link 204 using any of a variety ofoptical communications techniques. For example, communications bridge200 may translate programming and/or configuration data into opticallight pulses that are provided to faucet assembly 100 via IRcommunications link 204. Faucet assembly 100 may then translate theoptical light pulses to electronic programming or configuration data foruse in operating mixing valve 160 and/or other components of faucetassembly 100. Similarly, faucet assembly 100 may translate loggedoperating data into optical light pulses that are provided tocommunications bridge 200 via IR communications link 204. Communicationsbridge 200 may then translate the optical light pulses to electronic logdata for use monitoring and/or analyzing the performance of faucetassembly 100.

Data communications interface 232 may include wired or wirelesscommunications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters,receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting electronicdata communications with various systems or devices. For example, datacommunications interface 232 is shown with a wireless communicationslink 242 to a mobile computing device 300 (e.g., a smart phone, alaptop, a tablet, etc.) and a wired communications link 244 to anon-mobile device 400 (e.g., a desktop computer, a user terminal, aworkstation, a server, a computer system, etc.). Communications viainterface 232 may be direct (e.g., local wired or wirelesscommunications) as shown in FIG. 9A, or via a communications network 240(e.g., a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.) as shown inFIG. 9B. For example, interface 232 may include an Ethernet card andport for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communicationslink or network. In another exemplary embodiment, interface 232 caninclude a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wirelesscommunications network or WiFi direct communications. In anotherexemplary embodiment, interface 232 may include cellular or mobile phonecommunications transceivers, a power line communications interface,and/or any other type of wired or wireless communications hardware.

Communications bridge 200 exchange information with mobile device 300and/or non-mobile device 400 via data communications interface 232. Forexample, communications bridge 200 may receive programming and/orconfiguration data from devices 300-400 via data communicationsinterface 232. Communications bridge 200 may then translate theprogramming and/or configuration data into optical light pulses fortransmission to faucet assembly 100 via IR communications interface 231.Similarly, communications bridge 200 may translate light pulses receivedfrom faucet assembly 100 via IR communications interface 231 intoelectronic data and transmit the electronic data to devices 300-400 viadata communications interface 232.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, a set of block diagrams illustratinganother communications configuration that may be used by faucet assembly100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Faucet assembly 100is shown to include a data communications interface 133, which may bethe same or similar to data communications interface 232, as describedwith reference to FIGS. 9A-9B. Data communications interface 133 mayallow faucet assembly 100 to communicate directly with mobile device 300and/or non-mobile device 400 without passing the communications throughcommunications bridge 200. The communications via interface 133 may bedirect wired or wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC,WiFi-direct, USB, Ethernet, etc.) as shown in FIG. 10A, or viacommunications network 240 (e.g., a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a cellularnetwork, etc.) as shown in FIG. 10B.

In FIGS. 1-10B, the present invention is described with reference to asingle water delivery device (i.e., faucet assembly 100). However, it iscontemplated that the present invention can be used to communicate withand/or control any number of water delivery devices (e.g., one or morefaucets, shower outlets, bath tub taps, etc.) as well as other types ofcontrollable systems or devices that can be used in conjunction withwater delivery devices (e.g., a steam system, a lighting system, anaudio system, etc.). For example, the present invention may be used toprogram, monitor, and/or control a water delivery network that includesa plurality of water delivery devices. The water delivery devices may belocated in the same general area (e.g., multiple shower outlets within asingle shower enclosure) or distributed throughout a building orcollection of buildings (e.g., shower outlets or faucets in multiplerooms of a hotel, office building, hospital, stadium, apartment complex,etc.). A centralized control system may be used to program, monitor,and/or control the plurality of water delivery devices, steam devices,lighting devices, audio devices, and/or any other devices that may beused therewith. FIGS. 11-14 describe various embodiments of the presentinvention in accordance with such an implementation.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a shower 500 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. Shower 500 includes a shower enclosure 510 havinga front wall 511, left wall 512, right wall 513, floor 514, and ceiling515. An access door may permit entry by the user into shower enclosure510. The control systems and methods of the present disclosure may beused in combination with shower 500 or any other shower having any shapeor size of shower enclosure. For example, alternative shower enclosuresmay contain fewer or additional walls, be of varying sizes, containother water outlets or lighting arrangements, or be otherwiseconfigured.

Shower 500 includes a water subsystem having various water deliverydevices (i.e., shower outlets) located within shower enclosure 510. Forexample, shower 500 is shown to include a front showerhead 521, a leftshowerhead 522, a right showerhead 523, an upper body spray 524, amiddle body spray 525, a lower body spray 526, side body sprays 529, ahandshower 527, and a rainhead 528. In various embodiments, the watersubsystem or set of water delivery devices may include any number orcombinations of water delivery devices. For example, in an alternativeexemplary embodiment, the water subsystem may include a central bodyspray (e.g., a vertical column of shower outlets) in place of upper bodyspray 524 and middle body spray 525. In another exemplary embodiment,left showerhead 522 and right showerhead 523 may be located on frontwall 511. Shower outlets 521-529 may be located on any of surfaces511-514 and may include additional or fewer shower outlets in variousembodiments.

The water subsystem may include one or more analog or digital valves,such as mixing valve 160. Each of the valves may be associated with oneor more of shower outlets 521-529 and may be configured to control thewater temperature and/or flow rate of the water delivered by theassociated shower outlet(s). Valves of the system may be configured toallow for an electronically controlled mixing of hot and cold water.Such mixing can allow control systems and methods described herein toachieve or approach certain target temperatures (i.e., temperaturecontrol). Valves of the system may also be configured to allow forelectronically controlled or selected shower outlet water flow (i.e.,flow rate control). The electronically controlled valves (e.g.,solenoids for actuating the hydraulic valves) are controlled via controlsignals from one or more controllers of the shower control systemsdescribed throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, each of shower outlets 521-529 is associated with adifferent valve configured to control the water temperature and/or flowrate of the water dispensed from the corresponding shower outlet. Forexample, an instance of mixing valve 160 may be installed upstream ofeach of shower outlets 521-529, combined with each of shower outlets521-529, or otherwise fluidly connected with each of shower outlets521-529. Each of the mixing valves 160 may be independently controlledby a controller to allow for independent control of the temperaturesand/or flow rates of the water dispensed from shower outlets 521-529. Anexample of such a configuration is described in greater detail withreference to FIG. 12. In other embodiments, a single mixing valve 160 isused to control the temperature and/or flow rate of water provided tothe various shower outlets.

In some embodiments, each of the valves is associated with a subset ofshower outlets 521-529. For example, each mixing valve 160 may have aplurality of outlet ports (e.g., three outlet ports, six outlet ports,etc.), each of which is fluidly connected to one or more of showeroutlets 521-529. In other instances, one or more of mixing valves 160may output water to a pipeline that includes several branches, each ofwhich is fluidly connected to one or more of shower outlets 521-529. Afirst mixing valve may control the temperature of water provided to afirst subset of shower outlets 521-529, whereas a second mixing valvemay control the temperature of water provided to a second subset ofshower outlets 521-529. For example, a first mixing valve may controlthe temperature of water provided to shower outlets 521, 525, and 528,whereas a second mixing valve may control the temperature of waterprovided to shower outlets 522, 523, 524, 526, and 527. Advantageously,using multiple different mixing valves allows the water from differentshower outlets to have different temperatures and/or flow rates. Invarious embodiments, any number of mixing valves 160 may be used todefine any number of temperature zones.

In some embodiments, shower 500 includes a steam subsystem. The steamsubsystem includes steam outlets 531 that receive steam from a steamgenerator in fluid communication with steam outlets 531. The steamgenerator is disposed between, and coupled via conduit (e.g., piping ortubing), to steam outlets 531 and a water supply. The steam generatorheats the water, turning it into steam that is then communicated intoshower enclosure 510 through steam outlets 531. The steam generator arecontrolled via control signals from one or more controllers of theshower control systems described throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, shower 500 includes an audio subsystem. The audiosubsystem includes speakers 541, an amplifier, and a media player. Theamplifier, media player, and other components may be located proximateto or remote from shower enclosure 510. The audio subsystem isconfigured to communicate sound into shower enclosure 510. The audiosubsystem (e.g., a media player thereof) may be controlled via controlsignals from one or more controllers of the shower control systemsdescribed throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, shower 500 includes a lighting subsystem. Thelighting subsystem includes one or more lights 551, such as conventionallight bulbs (e.g., incandescent, LED, fluorescent) or a plurality ofcolored lights configured for use as a lighted rain panel used forchromatherapy. In some embodiments, lights 551 are integrated withrainhead 528. The lighting subsystem is configured to selectively supplylight into shower enclosure 510. The lighting subsystem (e.g.,particular switches for the lights, dimmers for the lights, etc.) may becontrolled via control signals from one or more controllers of theshower control systems described throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a control panel 560 is configured to receive userinputs for controlling the shower subsystems and for communicatingsettings and status information of the shower subsystems to a user.Control panel 560 generally includes a housing and an electronic display561 (e.g., a LCD panel). The housing includes various attachment points(e.g., brackets, fasteners, portions for receiving screw heads, etc.)for mounting control panel 560 within shower enclosure 510. The housingalso provides a waterproof casing to protect electronic display 561 andassociated internal electronic components from moisture. Atouch-sensitive panel (e.g., a capacitive touch panel) may also beprovided on the housing for receiving user inputs. A portion of thetouch-sensitive panel may overlay electronic display 561 to provide atouchscreen interface. Electronic display 561 can be caused to displaygraphical user interfaces and to receive user inputs via the touchscreen interface.

In some embodiments, another portion of the touch-sensitive panel (or adifferent touch-sensitive panel) overlays one or more illuminatedbuttons 562 that are not part of electronic display 561. Buttons 562 maybe backlit (e.g., by a LED) using a separate lighting source. Buttons562 may be touch sensitive (e.g., capacitive touch) or a group of hardkeys (e.g., physical buttons). Buttons 562 may be static buttons whichare selectively illuminated by activating or deactivating thebacklighting for each button. In some embodiments, the sametouch-sensitive panel overlays both electronic display 561 and buttons562.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a block diagram illustrating a shower controlsystem 600 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Showercontrol system 600 may be used to monitor and control a plurality waterdelivery devices (e.g., shower outlets 521-529, faucet assembly 100,etc.) as well as other controllable devices that may be used therewith(e.g., steam outlets 531, speakers 541, lighting 551). In someembodiments, shower control system 600 is used to monitor and controlshower 500. For example, shower control system 600 is shown to include aplurality of mixing valves 160, each of which is associated with one ofshower outlets 521-529. Each mixing valve 160 may be configured toaffect the temperature and/or flow rate of the water dispensed from thecorresponding shower outlet.

Mixing valves 160 may communicate with a controller 610 configured tomonitor and control mixing valves 160. For example, mixing valves 160may receive a control signal from controller 610 that causes mixingvalves 160 to variably open or close to achieve a target watertemperature and/or flow rate. In some embodiments, mixing valves 160include temperature sensors and/or flow rate sensors configured tomeasure the temperature and/or flow rate of the water dispensed by eachof mixing valves 160. In other embodiments, the sensors may beintegrated with shower outlets 521-529 or otherwise located in showercontrol system 600. The sensors may provide feedback to controller 610regarding the temperatures and/or flow rates of the water dispensed byeach of mixing valves 160. Controller 610 may use the feedback from thesensors in conjunction with one or more temperature and/or flow ratesetpoints to determine an appropriate control signal for each of mixingvalves 160. The communications between mixing valves 160, controller610, and the sensors may be wired or wireless, and may use any of avariety of communications protocols.

Shower control system 600 is shown to include a lighting system 620, asteam system 630, and an audio system 640. Lighting system 620 mayinclude one or more lights 551 configured to selectively supply lightinto shower enclosure 510 (e.g., chromotherapy lights, ambient lights,rainhead lights, etc.). Lighting system 620 may also include variouslights or lighting fixtures located in proximity to shower enclosure 510(e.g., within the same room or zone) or separate from shower enclosure510 (e.g., in a separate room or zone). Steam system 630 may include oneor more steam generators configured to supply steam to steam outlets 531within shower enclosure 510 and/or to other steam output devices. Audiosystem 640 may include a media player, an amplifier, and/or speakers.The speakers may be located within shower enclosure 510 (e.g., speakers541) or otherwise located in proximity to shower enclosure 510 or in adifferent room or zone.

Lighting system 620, steam system 630, and audio system 640 maycommunicate with controller 610 via a wired or wireless communicationslink. Controller 610 may provide control signals to lighting system 620,steam system 630, and audio system 640 to control the output devicesthereof (e.g., lights, steam outlets, speakers, etc.). In variousembodiments, controller 610 may communicate directly with the outputdevices of systems 620-640 or with one or more intermediate controllers(e.g., a lighting controller, a steam controller, a music controller,etc.) configured to control the output devices of one or more of systems620-640.

In some embodiments, controller 610 communicates with control panel 560via a wired or wireless communications link. Controller 610 may beconfigured to receive and process user inputs from control panel 560 andto control shower outlets 521-529, lighting system 620, steam system630, and/or audio system 640 in accordance with the user inputs. Forexample, control panel 560 may present a user interface that allows auser to view and modify setpoints for mixing valves 160 (e.g.,temperature setpoints, flow rate setpoints, etc.), to initiate or stopwater flow from shower outlets 521-529 (e.g., individually or as one ormore groups), to run a predefined sequence of water outputs from showeroutlets 521-529, and/or to otherwise interact with or control showeroutlets 521-529.

Control panel 560 and controller 610 may facilitate user interactionswith lighting system 620, steam system 630, and audio system 640. Forexample, a user can provide inputs via control panel 560 to turn on oroff lighting, initiate a chromotherapy sequence, or otherwise monitorand control lighting system 620. The user can provide inputs via controlpanel 560 to view and modify steam temperature setpoints, start or stopsteam from steam outlets 531, or otherwise monitor and control steamsystem 630. The user can provide inputs via control panel 560 start orstop playback from speakers 541, select an audio source, increase ordecrease audio volume, or otherwise monitor and control audio system640. In some embodiments, the user interface allows a user to select andinitiate a spa experience that automatically operates one or more ofmixing valves 160, lighting system 620, steam system 630, and audiosystem 640 using a predefined sequence of outputs to provide amulti-sensory user experience. Exemplary user interfaces and spaexperiences that may be generated and used by shower control system 600are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/610,296 filed Jan. 30, 2015, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, shower control system 600 includes multiple controlpanels 560. Each of control panels 560 may be disposed at a differentlocation (e.g., in shower 500, outside shower 500, in a differentshower, etc.) for facilitating user interaction with shower controlsystem 600 at multiple different locations. Each control panel 560 maybe associated with one or more discrete showers that can be controlledby shower control system 600. For example, the showers may be located indifferent rooms within the same house, hotel, apartment complex,hospital, or the like. An instance of control panel 560 may be locatedproximate to each of the showers to allow user control over thecorresponding shower and devices thereof (e.g., valves 160, lightingsystem 620, steam system 630, audio system 640, etc.). For example, acontrol panel 560 within a particular hotel room may allow a user tocontrol the devices within that hotel room.

In some embodiments, each instance of control panel 560 is associatedwith a corresponding instance of controller 610. For example, oneinstance of controller 610 may control the devices within a particularroom, whereas another instance of controller 610 may control the deviceswithin another room. In other embodiments, controller 610 is acentralized controller that receives and processes inputs from multiplecontrol panels 560. A centralized controller 610 may control the deviceswithin multiple different rooms or zones based on the user inputsprovided via the control panel(s) 560 for that room or zone.

In various embodiments, controller 610 may be integrated with one ormore of control panels 560 or separate from control panels 560.Controller 610 may receive input from control panels 560 and may controlthe user interfaces provided via electronic display 561. Controller 610processes user inputs received at control panels 560 (e.g., user inputsreceived via a touchscreen, buttons, switches, or other user inputdevices of control panel 560) and provides control outputs to valves160, lighting system 620, steam system 630, and audio system 640 basedon the user inputs.

In some embodiments, controller 610 is connected to a network 240 (e.g.,a LAN, a WAN, a WiFi network, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.)configured to facilitate interactions with controller 610. For example,a user can communicate with controller 610 via network 240 using any ofa variety of mobile devices 300 (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet, asmart phone, etc.) or non-mobile devices 400 (e.g., a desktop computer,a workstation, a server, etc.). Communications via network 240 may allowa user to view and modify various configuration settings stored withincontroller 610 (e.g., valve configuration settings, networkconfiguration settings, water outlet configuration settings, flushcycles, etc.) and to receive information from controller 610 (e.g.,usage information, log data, etc.). In some embodiments, communicationsvia network 240 can be used to actively control the outputs from variousdevices (e.g., starting and stopping water flow, adjusting setpoints,turning on/off lighting, steam, audio, etc.).

In some embodiments, the user interface presented via control panel 560also allows the user to view and modify configuration settings, and toretrieve information from controller 610. The user interactivity optionsavailable via control panel 560 may include some or all of theoperations that can be performed via network 240. In some embodiments,the user interactivity options available via control panel 560 arelimited to a subset of the operations available via network 240. Forexample, a system administrator may configure each control panel 560 toallow a user to control a set of devices without allowing the user tomodify configuration settings. The options available to a user viacontrol panel 560 may be defined by configuration parameters storedwithin controller 610, which can be modified via network 240.

In some embodiments, controller 610 is configured to receive updates vianetwork 240. For example, controller 610 may be configured to receivefirmware updates, software updates, configuration updates, or otherupdates from a remote server (e.g., from the system manufacturer) orother network data source (e.g., a networked user device). In variousembodiments, controller 610 may be configured to check for and downloadupdates periodically or may receive pushed updates from a remote datasource when the updates become available. Advantageously, updatingcontroller 610 via network 240 allows for new and improved spaexperiences, user interfaces, and/or other features to be provided tomultiple controllers 610 in an automated manner. Controller 610 can theninstall the updates to make the new and improved features available to auser.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a block diagram of another control system 650is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Control system 650 isshown to include many of the same components as control system 600.However, in control system 650, each mixing valve 160 a-160 d isassociated with one or more water delivery devices 615 a-615 d ratherthan a specific shower outlet. Each mixing valve 160 a-160 d may be aninstance of mixing valve 160, as described with reference to FIG. 7.Mixing valves 160 a and 160 d are shown providing water to a pluralityof water delivery devices 615 a and 615 d, respectively. Water deliverydevices 615 a and 615 d may be sets of shower outlets, faucets, bath tubtaps, etc. within the same temperature group. Mixing valves 160 b and160 c are shown providing water to a single water delivery device 615 band 615 c, respectively. Water delivery devices 615 b and 615 c may beindividual shower outlets, faucets, bath tub taps, etc.

In some embodiments, mixing valves 160 a-160 d are located within thesame general area (e.g., behind the wall of a shower enclosure, within abathroom, etc.) and configured to provide water to various waterdelivery devices in that area. For example, mixing valves 160 a-160 dmay be configured to provide water to various shower outlets within thesame shower enclosure, as described with reference to FIGS. 11-12. Inother embodiments, mixing valves 160 a-160 d are located in differentphysical areas (e.g., within different hotel rooms, apartments, hospitalrooms, etc.) and configured to provide water to water delivery deviceslocated in each of the different physical areas. For example, mixingvalves 160 a-160 b may be located within a first hotel room andconfigured to provide water to water delivery devices 615 a-615 b withinthe first hotel room, whereas mixing valves 160 c-160 d may be locatedwithin a second hotel room and configured to provide water to waterdelivery devices 615 c-615 d within the second hotel room.

Each set of water delivery devices 615 a-615 d may be associated withone or more controllers 610 configured to monitor and control waterdelivery devices 615 a-615 d. In various embodiments, controller 610 maybe a centralized controller for all of water delivery devices 615 a-615d or a local controller for a subset of water delivery devices 615 a-615d (e.g., a set of water delivery devices 615 a-615 d located within thesame room or zone). Controller(s) 610 may also be configured to monitorand control one or more lighting systems 620, steam systems 630, and/oraudio systems 640, as described with reference to FIG. 12. One or morecontrol panels 560 may be provided to facilitate user interaction withcontroller(s) 610 and the controllable devices associated therewith.

In some embodiments, control system 650 allows for the programming of asingle water delivery device or multiple water delivery devices and/orthe controller(s) 610 associated therewith via network 240. This isparticularly advantageous in that it allows for the programming of oneor more water delivery devices and/or controllers 610 individually froma single location (e.g., via a single communication device such asmobile device 300 or non-mobile device 400). Multiple control systems650 and the components thereof can be programmed and updated via network240 from centralized location (e.g., from a user device and/or a remoteserver), as described with reference to FIG. 12.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a block diagram illustrating controller 610 ingreater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.Controller 610 may be a central controller for a plurality of rooms orzones (e.g., a building management system controller in a hospital,residential building, office building, etc.) or a local controller for aparticular room or zone (e.g., a controller for a particular showerarea). Controller 610 is shown to include a communications interface 680and a processing circuit 652.

Communications interface 680 may include wired or wirelesscommunications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters,receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting electronicdata communications with various systems or devices. For example,communications interface 680 is may be used to communicate with network240, mixing valves 160, lighting system 620, steam system 630, audiosystem 640, and/or control panel 560. Communications via interface 680may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications), or viacommunications network 240 (e.g., a LAN, WAN, the Internet, a cellularnetwork, etc.). For example, communications interface 680 may include anEthernet card and port for sending and receiving data via anEthernet-based communications link or network. In another exemplaryembodiment, communications interface 680 can include a WiFi transceiverfor communicating via a wireless communications network or WiFi directcommunications. In another exemplary embodiment, communicationsinterface 680 may include cellular or mobile phone communicationstransceivers, a power line communications interface, and/or any othertype of wired or wireless communications hardware. In some embodiments,communications interface 680 includes an infrared (IR) communicationsinterface (e.g., IR communications interface 131) configured to receiveIR communications from a communications bridge (e.g., communicationsbridge 200) or another IR data source.

Processing circuit 652 is shown to include a processor 654 and memory656. Processor 654 can be implemented as a general purpose processor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, orother suitable electronic processing components. Memory 656 (e.g.,memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or moredevices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) forstoring data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating thevarious processes, layers and modules described in the presentapplication. Memory 656 may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present application. According to anexemplary embodiment, memory 656 is communicably connected to processor654 via processing circuit 652 and includes computer code for executing(e.g., by processing circuit 652 and/or the processor 654) one or moreprocesses described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 14, memory 656 is shown to include deviceconfiguration settings 658. Device configuration settings 658 mayinclude programmable features/settings associated with the variousdevices controlled by controller 610 such as valves 160, lighting system620, steam system 630, audio system 640, etc. For example, deviceconfiguration settings 658 may include water set point temperatures,modes of operation (e.g., full cold water mode), default flow rate, flowrate change increments, timeout duration, run time, reaction time,blocking time, and other similar features for valves 160. Deviceconfiguration settings 658 may also include configuration settings forlighting system 620, steam system 630, and audio system 640. In someembodiments, device configuration settings 658 include spa experiencesdefining programmed sequences of outputs from the output devices.Additional examples of configuration settings which may be stored indevice configuration settings 658 are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/610,296.

Device configuration settings 658 can be programmed by a user vianetwork 240 or control panel 560, or received as part of a packagedupdate from a remote data source. For example, when a user or aninstaller adjusts any one of the above settings via control panel 560 oruser devices 300-400, the changed information may be communicated tocontroller 610 via communications interface 680 and stored in memory656. In some embodiments, the changed information is communicated viacommunications bridge 200 to the controller 610, which transmits theinformation to the appropriate device/component (e.g., to each of thevalves associated with the water delivery device).

Memory 656 is shown to include network configuration settings 660.Network configuration settings 660 may define the types ofcommunications used by controller 610 (e.g., infrared, WiFi, Ethernet,USB, etc.) and/or the network locations of various external componentswith which controller 610 communicates. For example, networkconfiguration settings 660 may specify a wireless or wired network towhich controller 660 is connected (e.g., a LAN), and may include anynetwork information (e.g., SSID, passwords, network key, authenticationtype, etc.) necessary to connect to the network. Network configurationsettings 660 may also define whether controller 610 is set to receiveupdates via network 240 from a networked data source, and may specifythe network location (e.g., URL, IP address, etc.) of the networked datasource. Network configuration settings can be programmed by a user vianetwork 240 or control panel 560, or received as part of a packagedupdate from a remote data source.

Still referring to FIG. 14, memory 656 is shown to include a wateroutlet configuration 662. Water outlet configuration 662 may store datadescribing the particular configuration of the water delivery devicescontrolled by controller 610. For example, water outlet configuration662 may define which of the water delivery devices are connected to thesame valve, which of the water delivery devices are within the samecontrol group (i.e., groups of devices that can be controlled together),the locations of the water delivery devices (e.g., within a particularroom or zone of a facility), and/or any other information relating tothe configuration of the water outlets. Water outlet configuration 662can be programmed by a user via network 240 or control panel 560, orreceived as part of a packaged update from a remote data source.

Memory 656 is shown to include flush cycles 664. Flush cycles 664 maystore data relating to a duty flush cycle and/or a cold flush cycle ofone or more water delivery devices. Programmable features/settingsassociated with a duty flush cycle of one or water delivery devices mayinclude the type of duty flush (e.g., standard, standard oscillation,smart, and smart oscillation), frequency time, flush activation time,flush duration, flush temperature, flush flow rate, full cold waterpre-flush time, and duty flush warm-up time. Programmablefeatures/settings associated with a cold flush cycle of one or waterdelivery devices includes the type of cold flush (e.g., standard,standard oscillation, smart, smart oscillation, etc.), frequency time,flush activation time, flush duration, flush temperature, and full coldwater pre-flush time. Flush cycles 664 can be programmed by a user vianetwork 240 or control panel 560, or received as part of a packagedupdate from a remote data source.

Still referring to FIG. 14, memory 656 is shown to include disinfectionschedules 666. Disinfection schedules 666 may include a thermaldisinfection schedule and/or an electrical disinfection schedule for oneor more water delivery devices. Thermal disinfection may be accomplishedby controlling a heating element located within a mixing valve. Theheating element can be controlled to heat the valve such that the watercontained within the valve acts as a disinfectant for at least a portionof the valve. Programmable features/settings associated with thermaldisinfection include the target water temperature(s), disinfectiontimeout period, disinfection warm-up time, and total disinfection time.Programmable features/settings associated with electrical disinfectioninclude disinfection frequency time, disinfection activation time, anddisinfection timeout period. Disinfection schedules 666 can beprogrammed by a user via network 240 or control panel 560, or receivedas part of a packaged update from a remote data source.

Memory 656 is shown to include usage information 668 and log data 670.In some embodiments, controller 610 is configured to log data relatingto events such as water usage, duty flush cycles, and thermaldisinfection events. The data may be stored in memory 656 andtransmitted to an external device (e.g., user devices 300-400, controlpanel 560) for analysis and reference. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the data relating to the above noted events is automaticallylogged by the controller 560 for up to a 12 month period. This isadvantageous in that it allows for the monitoring and analysis of one ormore water delivery devices to determine future cost allocationassociated with water usage, to analyze previous usage trends, todetermine optimized maintenance schedules, and to predict future waterusage. Usage information 668 and log data 670 may be automaticallystored in memory 656 during operation. Controller 610 may be configuredto retrieve usage information 668 and log data 670 from memory 656(e.g., periodically and/or upon request from an external system ordevice) and send usage information 668 and log data 670 to an externalsystem or device via communications interface 680.

Additionally, it is appreciated that the programmable features/settingsdisclosed herein are merely exemplary, and that additional programmablefeatures associated with water delivery control may be included in thecontrol architecture.

Still referring to FIG. 14, memory 656 is shown to include a valvecontrol module 672. Valve control module 672 may be configured tomonitor and control mixing valves 160. Monitoring a mixing valve mayinclude receiving feedback signals indicating the current state of thevalves and/or attributes of the water dispensed by the valves.Controlling mixing valves 160 may include generating control signals formixing valves 160. The control signals may instruct one or more valves160 to open, close, or adjust the amount of hot water and/or cold waterprovided through the valve in order to adjust the temperature and/orflow rate of the water dispensed from each of mixing valves 160. In someembodiments, valve control module 672 is configured to control each ofmixing valves 160 independently.

Valve control module 672 may generate the control signals by comparingthe current output of each valve 160 to a setpoint. The setpoint may bea user-defined setpoint provided via network 240 or control panel 560,or a programmed setpoint defined by a programmed spa experience or otherautomated feature. The current output may be measured by one or moresensors configured to measure the temperature and/or flow rate of thewater dispensed one or more of mixing valves 160. Valve control module672 may use any of a variety of control techniques (e.g., proportionalcontrol, proportional-integral (PI) control,proportional-integral-differential (PID) control, model predictivecontrol (MPC), pattern recognition adaptive control (PRAC), etc.) todetermine an appropriate control signal for the mixing valves.

Each mixing valve 160 may be configured to affect the water dispensedfrom one or more water delivery devices. Valve control module 672 mayuse the stored water outlet configuration 662 to determine which mixingvalves 160 correspond to a set of water delivery devices for which anadjustment is required. Valve control module 672 may then provide thegenerated control signals to the determined valves 160 viacommunications interface 680.

Memory 656 is shown to include a lighting control module 674, a steamcontrol module 676, and an audio control module 678. Modules 674-678 maybe similar to valve control module 672 in that they provide thefunctionality used by controller 610 to control various types of outputdevices. For example, lighting control module 674 may be configured tomonitor and control lighting system 620, steam control module 676 may beconfigured to monitor and control steam system 630, and audio controlmodule 678 may be configured to monitor and control audio system 640.

Modules 674-678 may be configured to receive feedback signals fromsystems 620-640 via communications interface 680 and to generate controlsignals for systems 620-640. In some instances, the control signals arebased on user-defined setpoints or other user inputs provided vianetwork 240 or control panel 560. For example, a user may provide aninput to control panel 560 to increase or decrease a steam temperaturesetpoint or to turn on/off a lighting fixture. In other instances, thecontrol signals are based on a programmed control sequence stored inmemory 656 (e.g., a stored spa experience). Modules 674-678 may providethe generated control signals systems 620-640 via communicationsinterface 680.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart of a process 1500 for controllinga water delivery device via an optical communications interface isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1500 may beperformed by faucet assembly 100 and/or communications bridge 200, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B.

Process 1500 is shown to include receiving a control signal orconfiguration information from a user device via a data communicationsinterface (step 1502). The control signal or configuration informationmay be received via a wireless or wired communications link (e.g.,communications links 242 or 244) from a mobile device or a non-mobiledevice (e.g., devices 300-400). The control signal or configurationinformation may be received directly from the user device (e.g., viaBluetooth, NFC, a USB connection, etc.) or via an intermediatecommunications network (e.g., network 240). Process 1500 is shown toinclude translating the control signal or configuration information intoan optical signal (step 1504) and transmitting the optical signal to awater delivery device via an optical communications interface (step1506). Steps 1504-1506 may be performed by communications bridge 200, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B. In some embodiments, theoptical signal is an infrared (IR) signal and is transmitted via an IRcommunications interface.

Process 1500 is shown to include using the optical signal at the waterdelivery device to modify a configuration setting or to controloperation of the water delivery device (step 1508). In some embodiments,the water delivery device translates the optical signal back to anelectronic data value. The data value may be a configuration setting(e.g., a device configuration setting, a network configuration setting,a water outlet configuration, flush cycles, a disinfection schedule,etc.) or a control signal (e.g., a setpoint, an instruction to open orclose a valve, etc.). The water delivery device may store theconfiguration setting in memory and/or use the control signal to operatea valve of the water delivery device.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flowchart of a process 1600 for retrievinginformation from a water delivery device via an optical communicationsinterface is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1600may be performed by faucet assembly 100 and/or communications bridge200, as described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B.

Process 1600 is shown to include retrieving stored information from thememory of a water delivery device (step 1602) and translating the storedinformation into an optical signal (step 1604). The stored informationmay include, for example, usage information and/or log data relating tothe operation of the water delivery device. The optical signal may betransmitted from the water delivery device via an optical communicationsinterface (step 1606). In some embodiments, the optical signal istransmitted to a communications bridge (e.g., communications bridge200).

Process 1600 is shown to include translating the optical signal to adata signal (step 1608) and transmitting the data signal to a userdevice (step 1610). Steps 1608-1610 may be performed by communicationsbridge 200. The data signal may be transmitted directly to the userdevice (e.g., via Bluetooth, NFC, a USB connection, etc.) or via anintermediate communications network (e.g., network 240).

Referring now to FIG. 17, a flowchart of a process 1700 for programminga controller for a plurality of water delivery devices is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1700 may be performed byshower control system 600 and/or control system 650, as described withreference to FIGS. 12-14.

Process 1700 is shown to include establishing a communications linkbetween a user device and a controller for a plurality of water deliverydevices (step 1702). In some embodiments, the controller is the same orsimilar to controller 610, as described with reference to FIGS. 12-14.The communications link may be a wired or wireless communications link,and may be a direct link or via an intermediate communications network(e.g., network 240). In various embodiments, the user device may be amobile device (e.g., user device 300), a non-mobile device (e.g., device400), or a control panel (e.g., control panel 560). The plurality ofwater delivery devices may be faucets, shower outlets, bath tub taps, orany other type of water delivery devices. The water delivery devices maybe located in the same room or zone (e.g., within the same showerenclosure, as described with reference to FIGS. 11-12) or in differentrooms or zones (e.g., different rooms of an apartment complex, officebuilding, hospital, etc. as described with reference to FIG. 13).

In an alternative embodiment, the controller in step 1702 is acontroller for a single water delivery device. For example, thecontroller may be the same or similar to controller 193, as describedwith reference to FIGS. 2-10B. The communications link established withsuch a controller may be a direct communications link (as shown in FIG.10A), via an intermediate communications network (as shown in FIG. 10B),and/or via a communications bridge (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B). Thecontroller may be integrated with the water delivery device or separatefrom the water delivery device.

Process 1700 is shown to include transmitting configuration informationfrom the user device to the controller via the communications link (step1704). The configuration information may include, for example, deviceconfiguration settings 658, network configuration settings 660, wateroutlet configuration 662, flush cycles 664, disinfection schedules 666,setpoint adjustments, and/or any other type of configuration that may beused by the controller to control the water delivery device(s). In someinstances, the configuration information includes control setpointsprovided by the user device. The controller may store these and othertypes of configuration information within the memory of the controllerfor use in controlling the water delivery device(s), as described withreference to steps 1706-1708.

In some instances, the configuration information includes controlsignals or configuration information for the water delivery device(s).The controller may be configured to act as a communications bridge andrelay these and other types of configuration information to the waterdelivery device(s). Relaying the configuration information may include,for example, translating the configuration information into a format orsyntax that can be understood by the water delivery device(s) (e.g.,translating the configuration information into optical light pulses) andtransmitting the translated configuration information to the waterdelivery device(s). The water delivery device(s) may store theconfiguration information in a local memory thereof and/or use theconfiguration information to operate one or more valves (e.g., mixingvalves 160) integrated with the water delivery device(s).

Process 1700 is shown to include using the transmitted information atthe controller to generate control signals for the plurality of waterdelivery devices (step 1706) and providing the control signals from thecontroller to the plurality of water delivery devices (step 1708). Steps1708 and 1710 may be performed when the configuration information isconfiguration information for the controller (e.g., setpoints for thecontroller) rather than configuration information for the water deliverydevices. The control signals may be based on a difference between asetpoint (e.g., a temperature setpoint, a flow rate setpoint, etc.)included in the transmitted information and a measured value received asfeedback from the plurality of water delivery devices. The controlsignals generated by the controller may be transmitted via acommunications interface of the controller and used to control one ormore mixing valves (e.g., valves 160) configured to affect thetemperature and/or flow rate of the water dispensed from the waterdelivery devices.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a flowchart of a process 1800 for retrievinginformation from a controller for a plurality of water delivery devicesis shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1800 may beperformed by shower control system 600 and/or control system 650, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

Process 1800 is shown to include operating a plurality of water deliverydevices using a controller (step 1802) and logging information relatingto the operation of the plurality of water delivery devices within thememory of the controller (step 1804). The plurality of water deliverydevices may be faucets, shower outlets, bath tub taps, or any other typeof water delivery devices. The water delivery devices may be located inthe same room or zone (e.g., within the same shower enclosure, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 11-12) or in different rooms or zones(e.g., different rooms of an apartment complex, office building,hospital, etc. as described with reference to FIG. 13). The loggedinformation may include, for example, usage information and/or log datarelating to the operation of the water delivery devices.

In various embodiments, the controller is integrated with one or more ofthe water delivery devices (e.g., controller 193) or separate from thewater delivery devices (e.g., controller 610). The logged informationmay be stored within the local memory of the controller (e.g., in memory656 or memory 191), within the local memory of the water deliverydevice, or both (e.g., for embodiments in which the controller and thewater delivery device are integrated). For embodiments in which thelogged information is stored within the local memory of a water deliverydevice separate from the controller, the logged information may betransmitted from the water delivery device to the controller via a wiredor wireless communications link. The controller may be configured to logusage information for a plurality of water delivery devices operated bythe controller.

Process 1800 is shown to include establishing a communications linkbetween a user device and the controller for the plurality of waterdelivery devices (step 1806) and transmitting the logged informationfrom the controller to the user device via the communications link (step1808). The communications link may be a wired or wireless communicationslink, and may be a direct link or via an intermediate communicationsnetwork (e.g., network 240). In various embodiments, the user device maybe a mobile device (e.g., user device 300), a non-mobile device (e.g.,device 400), or a control panel (e.g., control panel 560).

The user device may include an application or program configured toanalyze the logged information to determine future cost allocationassociated with water usage, to analyze previous usage trends, todetermine optimized maintenance schedules, and/or to predict futurewater usage. In some embodiments, the user device generates an updatedconfiguration setting based on the logged information (e.g., based on aresult of the analysis) and sends the updated configuration setting tothe controller and/or the water delivery device (e.g., as described inprocesses 1500 and 1700).

Referring now to FIG. 19, a flowchart of a process 1900 for updating acontroller for a plurality of water delivery devices is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Process 1900 may be performed by showercontrol system 600 and/or control system 650, as described withreference to FIGS. 12-14.

Process 1900 is shown to include establishing a communications linkbetween a remote system and a controller for a plurality of waterdelivery devices via a communications network (step 1902). Thecommunications link may be a wired or wireless communications link. Thecommunications network (e.g., network 240) may be a LAN, a WAN, theInternet, a cellular network, a radio frequency network, and/or anyother type of communications network. In some embodiments, the remotesystem is a computer server operated by a manufacturer of the controllerand/or the shower control system.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller in step 1902 is acontroller for a single water delivery device. For example, thecontroller may be the same or similar to controller 193, as describedwith reference to FIGS. 2-10B. The communications link established withsuch a controller may be a direct communications link (as shown in FIG.10A), via an intermediate communications network (as shown in FIG. 10B),and/or via a communications bridge (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B). Thecontroller may be integrated with the water delivery device or separatefrom the water delivery device.

Process 1900 is shown to include transmitting update data from theremote system to the controller via the communications network (step1904). In some instances, the update data includes update data for thecontroller. Such update data may include, for example, updated firmware,updated control software, updated spa experiences, updated userinterfaces, updated configuration settings, updated control parameters,and/or any other type of updates which may be applied by the controller.

In some instances, the update data includes update data for the waterdelivery device(s). The controller may be configured to act as acommunications bridge and relay these and other types of update data tothe water delivery device(s). Relaying update data may include, forexample, translating the update data into a format or syntax that can beunderstood by the water delivery device(s) (e.g., translating the updatedata into optical light pulses) and transmitting the translatedconfiguration information to the water delivery device(s). The waterdelivery device(s) may store the update data in a local memory thereofand/or use the update data to update configuration settings storedwithin the water delivery device(s).

Process 1900 is shown to include using the update data to updateconfiguration settings stored within the controller (step 1906). Step1906 may be performed when the update data is update data for thecontroller. The configuration settings updated in step 1906 may include,for example, device configuration settings 658, network configurationsettings 660, water outlet configuration 662, flush cycles 664,disinfection schedules 666, setpoint adjustments, and/or any other typeof configuration that may be used by the controller to control the waterdelivery device(s). In some instances, the configuration settingsinclude control setpoints provided by the remote server (e.g.,temperature, timing, and/or flow rate settings for a programmed spaexperience). The controller may store these and other types ofconfiguration settings within the memory of the controller for use incontrolling the water delivery device(s).

Process 1900 is shown to include using the updated configurationinformation at the controller to generate control signals for theplurality of water delivery devices (step 1908) and providing thecontrol signals from the controller to the plurality of water deliverydevices (step 1910). The control signals may be based on a differencebetween a setpoint (e.g., a temperature setpoint, a flow rate setpoint,etc.) included in the transmitted information and a measured valuereceived as feedback from the plurality of water delivery devices. Thecontrol signals may be transmitted via a communications interface of thecontroller and used to control one or more mixing valves (e.g., valves160) configured to affect the temperature and/or flow rate of the waterdispensed from the water delivery devices.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theapparatus and control system as shown in the various exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also bemade in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the variousexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, any element (e.g., first and second capacitivesensors, infrared sensors, mixing valve, etc.) disclosed in oneembodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodimentdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water delivery device comprising: a bodyincluding a spout; a user interface provided on the spout; a mixingvalve contained within the body and configured to be in fluidcommunication with a hot water source and a cold water source; a firstcapacitive sensor pad provided below the user interface; and a secondcapacitive sensor pad provided below the user interface laterallyadjacent to the first capacitive sensor pad, wherein the secondcapacitive sensor pad is physically separated from the first capacitivesensor pad.
 2. The water delivery device of claim 1, further comprisinga controller disposed within the body and configured, in response to asignal from the first or second capacitive sensor pads, to transmit acorresponding signal to the mixing valve to change a temperature of aflow of water flowing from the mixing valve.
 3. The water deliverydevice of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to maintain asubstantially constant flow rate of the flow of water flowing from themixing valve during an adjustment of the temperature of the flow ofwater.
 4. The water delivery device of claim 2, wherein when the firstcapacitive sensor pad is activated, the controller is configured toinitiate a delay period during which the second capacitive sensor pad isnot capable of being activated so as to prevent inadvertent activationof the second capacitive sensor pad, and wherein when the secondcapacitive sensor pad is activated, the controller is configured toinitiate a delay period during which the first capacitive sensor pad isnot capable of being activated so as to prevent inadvertent activationof the first capacitive sensor pad.
 5. The water delivery device ofclaim 2, wherein the controller is configured to incrementally adjustthe temperature of the flow of water flowing from the mixing valve inresponse to momentary or repeated activation of the first or the secondcapacitive sensor pads while maintaining a substantially constant flowrate of the flow of water.
 6. The water delivery device of claim 2,wherein each of the first and second capacitive sensor pads isconfigured to be independently activated by a user to transmit a signalto the controller to change the temperature of the flow of water flowingfrom the mixing valve.
 7. The water delivery device of claim 1, whereinthe mixing valve is an electronically controlled micro-mixing valve. 8.The water delivery device of claim 1, further comprising one or morelight sources positioned below the user interface, wherein the one ormore light sources are configured to provide a visual indication on theuser interface of a temperature of a flow of water flowing from thewater delivery device.
 9. The water delivery device of claim 1, whereinthe user interface includes a panel member, a graphics layer, and asubstantially transparent outer layer, and wherein the substantiallytransparent outer layer is overmolded onto the panel member with thegraphics layer disposed therebetween.
 10. The water delivery device ofclaim 9, wherein each of the first and the second capacitive sensor padsis adhered to a rear inner surface of the panel member.
 11. A faucetassembly comprising: a body including a spout; a user interface providedon the spout; a mixing valve disposed in the body and configured to bein fluid communication with a hot water source and a cold water source;a first capacitive sensor pad provided below the user interface on thespout and configured to increase a temperature of a flow of waterflowing from the mixing valve; a second capacitive sensor pad providedbelow the user interface on the spout laterally adjacent to the firstcapacitive sensor pad and configured to decrease the temperature of theflow of water flowing from the mixing valve, wherein the secondcapacitive sensor pad is physically separated from the first capacitivesensor pad; and a controller operatively coupled to the first capacitivesensor pad, the second capacitive sensor pad, and the mixing valve;wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the firstor the second capacitive sensor pad and to transmit a correspondingsignal to the mixing valve to control a flow of water from at least oneof the hot water source or the cold water source so as to change thetemperature of the flow of water flowing from the mixing valve.
 12. Thewater delivery device of claim 11, wherein the controller is configuredto maintain a substantially constant flow rate of the flow of waterflowing from the mixing valve during an adjustment of the temperature ofthe flow of water.
 13. The water delivery device of claim 11, whereinwhen the first capacitive sensor pad is activated, the controller isconfigured to initiate a delay period during which the second capacitivesensor pad is not capable of being activated so as to preventinadvertent activation of the second capacitive sensor pad, and whereinwhen the second capacitive sensor pad is activated, the controller isconfigured to initiate a delay period during which the first capacitivesensor pad is not capable of being activated so as to preventinadvertent activation of the first capacitive sensor pad.
 14. The waterdelivery device of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured toincrementally adjust the temperature of the flow of water flowing fromthe mixing valve in response to momentary or repeated activation of thefirst or the second capacitive sensor pads while maintaining asubstantially constant flow rate of the flow of water.
 15. The waterdelivery device of claim 11, wherein each of the first and secondcapacitive sensor pads is configured to be independently activated by auser to transmit a signal to the controller to change the temperature ofthe flow of water flowing from the mixing valve.
 16. The water deliverydevice of claim 11, wherein the mixing valve is an electronicallycontrolled micro-mixing valve.
 17. The water delivery device of claim11, further comprising one or more light sources positioned below theuser interface, wherein the one or more light sources are configured toprovide a visual indication on the user interface of a temperature of aflow of water flowing from the water delivery device.
 18. The waterdelivery device of claim 11, wherein the user interface includes a panelmember, a graphics layer, and a substantially transparent outer layer,and wherein the substantially transparent outer layer is overmolded ontothe panel member with the graphics layer disposed therebetween.
 19. Thewater delivery device of claim 18, wherein each of the first and thesecond capacitive sensor pads is adhered to a rear inner surface of thepanel member.
 20. A water delivery device comprising: a spout; a mixingvalve configured to be in fluid communication with a hot water sourceand a cold water source; a first capacitive sensor pad provided in thespout and configured to increase a temperature of a flow of waterflowing from the mixing valve; a second capacitive sensor pad providedin the spout laterally adjacent to the first capacitive sensor pad,wherein the second capacitive sensor pad is physically separated fromthe first capacitive sensor pad and is configured to decrease thetemperature of the flow of water; and a controller operatively coupledto the mixing valve, the first capacitive sensor pad, and the secondcapacitive sensor pad; wherein each of the first and second capacitivesensor pads is configured to be activated by a user to control a flow ofwater from at least one of the hot water source or the cold water sourceto adjust a temperature of the flow of water.